Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 449

I waited in our marital home until night fell. I reached out, tracing the outline of the tall buildings and Nicholas. The night was as dark as ink, and the glass windows reflected my exhausted face.

It felt like I already knew the outcome, yet I was reluctant to let go.

The clock's hands had just moved to midnight when my phone rang abruptly.

"Ariana, the police have surrounded the Coral Villa. If you want Nick to die, let them come in and arrest me!"

It was a message, a blatant provocation from Claudia. I reached out and wiped the window frantically. I couldn't erase my frustration, only leaving a hand full of dust.

I admitted that Claudia's threat had indeed affected me. As she said, if she weren't there, Nicholas would likely be gone too.

I didn't know how much of today's situation was due to the harm I caused Nicholas, but I couldn't ignore the fact that I wasn't innocent.

I got up and walked to the fish tank. I took out the tiny, stinking fish bodies and buried them in the garden soil of the villa.

I let out an ironic laugh. Letting Claudia go? I drove the trowel hard into the dirt. Counting this time, I couldn't even keep track of how many times I had let Claudia off for Nicholas.

Douglas had been waiting outside the villa for me. Upon seeing me come out, he took me straight to the hospital.

After a day and night of barely sleeping, my body had been overworked. I stayed in the hospital for two days. Fortunately, I had continuously been taking measures to protect the pregnancy. So, despite some instability, everything remained fine.

Neal was quick. In less than three days, he had already uncovered the details of the case. He came to see me, looking exhausted.

"You've worked hard these days. Make sure to rest well after this is all over," I said as I sat up in bed, casually chatting with him.

"I'm doing fine, but Mr. Hawk has been putting some pressure. You told me not to tell him before, so he still doesn't know the full story."

Neal's expression darkened. "But I can't keep this from him any longer. It's against the rules."